FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the DBH degree?
The Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree is an innovative, applied clinical doctorate that focuses exclusively on integrated health care. The DBH degree was originally designed by Dr. Nicholas A. Cummings to address the unmet educational need to prepare behavioral health providers to practice in primary care and other medical settings as part of an interdisciplinary team. This degree is also relevant for allied health care providers interested in whole-person health care. The DBH Program will prepare students to deliver patient-centered care, work in interdisciplinary teams, employ evidence-based practice and quality improvement approaches, and utilize informatics.

What is the difference between a PsyD and a DBH?
The Cummings Institute offers a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree. The DBH is an applied, clinically focused degree program that culminates in an applied project completed in a medical setting, as compared to traditional PhD programs focusing on research culminating in a written dissertation.

What is a PhD in Behavioral Health?
The Cummings Institute offers a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) degree. The DBH is an applied, clinically focused degree program that culminates in an applied project completed in a medical setting, as compared to traditional PhD programs focusing on research culminating in a written dissertation. To learn more about what sets the DBH apart from a PhD, review this infographic. (embed as thumbnail http://cummingsinstitute.com/resources/infographics/get-dbh-compare-new-way-thinking-old/)

When can I start the DBH program? Are admissions deadlines rolling?
The DBH has two (2) entry points, Fall and Spring I. The deadlines for admissions are not rolling. Upcoming deadlines are provided on the Admissions page. (link to http://cummingsinstitute.com/admissions/)

What is the average degree completion time?
The DBH degree requires completion of sixty (60) credits. Students have a maximum of five (5) years to complete the program. Courses are offered in 4 terms throughout the academic year, Fall, Spring I, Spring II, and Summer. One of our program’s strengths is its flexibility. Students may enroll in one (1) to three (3) classes per term. The degree completion timeline is contingent upon how many courses a student takes per term. Most of our students take two (2) to three (3) classes a semester, and at that rate they obtain their degree in an average of three (3) years.

How many hours per week are spent in class?
Our students estimate that one (1) three (3) credit course requires an average of twelve (12) to fifteen (15) hours of reading, studying, and writing per week. If you work full-time (as 100% of our students do) it is advised that you take a maximum of 2 courses per term.

Is an internship required for the DBH?
The DBH at CGI does not require an internship.

Is a dissertation required for the DBH?
The DBH Culminating Project fulfills the doctoral degree requirement in lieu of a traditional dissertation. Completion of a culminating project includes: An applied research paper, demonstrating design, implementation, and evaluation of a project to address a problem identified in the healthcare setting; a well-supported proposal to solve that problem with an innovative integrated care solution; and a live Culminating Project Defense and/or IRB review (if required for human subjects research).

Does my Master's degree count towards a CGI DBH?
In order to be eligible for admissions into CGI's DBH program, evidence of Master’s Degree or higher from a accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average) or better in the field of Behavioral Health or similar (Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy) is required. To learn more about admissions requirements and transfer admissions visit the Admissions page. (link to http://cummingsinstitute.com/admissions/)

What is the faculty and student ratio?
The current faculty to student ratio at CGI is 3:1. The favorable ratio ensures that faculty are available to give each student the support they need to succeed within each course.

What is the minimum number of courses students are required to take per term?
Full Time Enrollment (FTE) is six (6) credit hours or more per term. Part Time Enrollment (PTE) is five (5) credit hours or less, no fewer than one (1) credit hour, per term. Additional information regarding DBH curriculum and credit hour requirements can be found on the DBH page. (link to http://cummingsinstitute.com/doctorate-of-behavioral-health/)

How much does it cost to take one (1) course?
Tuition for one credit in the DBH program is $350. Military discounts are available. A three (3) credit course would be $1,050 at the standard rate. For full details on tuition and fees, visit the Tuition page. (link to http://cummingsinstitute.com/tuition/)

Do I have to pay the full program tuition at the start of the DBH program?
No, Cummings Graduate Institute works hard to make tuition affordable and accessible for our students. Cummings Graduate Institute has developed several payment programs to accommodate all budget types. The Cummings Graduate Institute Tuition Payment Programs are zero-interest monthly payments. To view the available payment options visit the Tuition page. (link to http://cummingsinstitute.com/tuition/)

Can I call myself a doctor with a DBH?
The use of the “Doctor” title may be prohibited in certain areas. Every country, state, and employer is different when it comes to the use of the “Doctor” title. Students should research local legislation and employer practices related to the use of the “Doctor” title. Our goal is no surprises - but legislation is evolving quickly. Making an informed decision means knowing the landscape of healthcare in your local area.

Testimonials

The “four questions” of the refocused psychotherapist [in the Biodyne Model] and the concept of the “onion/garlic” psychodynamic enabled me to not only conceptualize a case and plan treatment more rapidly, but to rise to a new level of professional confidence in meeting the behavioral care needs of my patients.

Dr. Gayle Cordes, DBHJuly 12, 2016

The DBH program has been life-changing for me and has brought great value to the patients I serve. I work with a diverse population of patients in a 400+ bed Hospital to improve overall health outcomes. I love working with other medical providers to help patients improve their wellness and quality of life. I collaborate with the medical team to treat behavioral and psychological components of COPD, CHF, Diabetes, weight loss, stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, IBS, substance abuse issues, and more. The DBH program’s focus on brief interventions in medical settings is valuable, timely, and effective.

At the age of 53, and after working 25 years in the field of social work returning to school was not on my bucket list, but after learning about the Cummings Graduate Institute’s online program, my hope of achieving my lifetime a doctorate degree was possible. CGI online Doctor of Behavioral Health program is innovative and relevant. It's the perfect fit for the busy professional, parent or person looking to return to school or career advancement without the fuss of unnecessary coursework. CGI understands and recognizes that there are capable professionals and that most professionals are looking to gain a competitive edge or simply looking to satisfy a personal goal.

Steven ByrdDBH Candidate, Cummings Graduate InstituteMarch 4, 2017

I am a behavior analyst, and always believed that behavior analysis could improve the quality of life of so many people; but the way ABA services are delivered nowadays, one behavior analyst cannot reach many people. The healthcare landscape is changing and integration is a perfect venue to reach more people. I had already worked in a hospital setting and knew that my training was not enough to navigate the changing systems. The DBH offers training in relevant subjects such as population health management, health equity, legal issues and ethics in healthcare, and entrepreneurship. The breadth and variety of the courses will prepare me to face any challenges I may encounter.

The faculty at CGI are not only very knowledgeable in their field, but are very caring individuals who make an effort to learn about the students and their interests. I have been pleasantly surprised by the various systems CGI has in place to set clear expectations and guidelines for the student's performance. For each class, I know exactly what to expect, and what I have to do. The course material is very stimulating and engaging. The staff is very approachable and responsive, and the Librarian is an asset! I feel that everyone at CGI is cheering me for my success while holding me accountable for my work. I am sure that upon graduation, I will have a solid foundation to be an active change agent in the healthcare landscape.

CGI has changed my life, all for the better. Because I have the DBH program listed on my resume, the Senators (my Senate Confirmation Hearing to serve on the New York State Board of Parole) wanted to know all about the program in each hearing. I was questioned by New York Senate Board members to explain the DBH program, and the 'DBH' title. Everyone appears to be excited to have someone on the Board with behavioral experience. My goal is to use the education and skills acquired at CGI to improve behavioral health services throughout the New York correctional system.
Presently, within the NYS correctional system, primary care and behavioral health care are siloed, with no interaction across boundaries. The integration of care will support inmates while in prison, and will ensure appropriate treatment upon release, thus reducing recidivism rates among the formerly incarcerated.